Graham's Challenge

4 July 2015

Chris Groves

GRAHAM Carey, Argyle’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, is relishing the new challenge that awaits him at Home Park.

The former Ross County winger, who has signed a one-year contract with the Pilgrims, will make the long trip south over the weekend to be present for pre-season training on Monday, but any murmurs of nerves about such a switch can be quickly dispelled.

Settling into new surroundings is second nature to Irishman Graham, who has spent the majority of his career in Scotland. That included working under Derek Adams at County as well as a loan spell with Huddersfield Town during which he faced the Greens at Home Park, where a Bradley Wright-Phillips’ double gave Argyle a win.

“I’ve lived away from home since I was 16,” said Graham, “so, anywhere I go, I settle really quickly – it doesn’t really bother me.

“If there are any players I know and a manager I know, that obviously helps, but I’m just looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad on Monday. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I actually played down here [at Home Park], and we got beat 2-1! I remember the atmosphere really well, and that was another thing that intrigued me about coming here. The atmosphere was brilliant on that day, and if we can get that atmosphere again next season, it would be great.

“Any pre-season is tough. Every player dreads it for some reason, but it’s got to be done, and I think the people that put the most into it will get the most out of it as well.”

Despite arriving in the South West later than other incomings Gary Sawyer, Jake Jervis and Gregg Wylde, Carey was one of the first ports of call for Adams once he took charge at Argyle.

“It first started with the manager getting the job,” said Graham. “I know him quite well from my time at Ross County and I enjoyed playing under him, as well.

“It’s been a few weeks in the works, but ever since he called me when he got the job, I was interested.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully it will be a good season and we can push for promotion, which is obviously the aim.”

Carey is known for having a wicked left foot that has put him on numerous highlight reels, as well as earning him a Goal of the Season award in the Scottish Premier League. Whilst he fully intends on giving those moments of magic to Green Army, the 26-year old knows that it takes more than individual brilliance to create a successful team.

“I tend to just score goals from outside the box, really!” said Graham. “I’d like to chip in with a few more goals and assists this season, but firstly – hopefully – get in the team. Hopefully, we’ll have a strong squad with a lot of competitiveness for places.

“It’s something that I’ve always managed to do, score quite good goals, but it’s not all about that. It’s about teamwork and working for the team, and hopefully I can do that.

“[Derek] is straight-forward: he tells what you need to do and plays attacking football. That’s what he did when I was at Ross County with him, and that’s what he’ll continue to do, because that’s what he wants to do. I think it’s the best form of football, in my opinion: trying to entertain the fans but also win games.”